Packet 3 Questions... Affidavit of Support Forms, and Interview Scheduling?

[BitingMyNails2 0]

Hello All!

So here are my questions regarding Packet 3:

1.) I do not meet the financial requirements needed to clear the poverty guidelines, so my father has offered to co-sponsor me so that my fiance can come to the U.S. That being said, I have already completed 2 seperate I-134 forms - one for me and one for my father - with all the supporting paperwork. NOW...Do I need to complete any other forms/paperwork such as I-864 in conjunction with the I-134? I have read on a few other posts that this was needed for a K-1, but then contradictorily that they cannot require it. Will it significantly affect the way my fiance's visa interview if he does or does not include it in his Packet 3? Can they actually reject him for not having that in addition to the I-134? Please advise...

2.) Once we have completed the entire Packet 3 (and thank heaven that we almost have!), is it alright for my fiance to personally deliver the packet to the USEM? Or does it absolutely have to be mailed in to be considered complete? I would just love to shave off a few days of wait time, and I thought maybe he could just drop it off himself...? Lemme know something good! lol.

3.) How long did it take everyone else to get a police certificate clearance (for that is the LAST piece of info we need at this point - Hallelujah Holla Back!), because they told my fiance 3 weeks and it cost him 200 Baht. My understanding was that it was suppose to be free and that it would only take 2 weeks...Did he just get totally taken or is this normal?

4.) Wait times: Everyone has posted anywhere from 4 months to 3 weeks as approximations for an interview appointment after sending packet 3. Anyone do this recently? How long is the wait time from the point of mailing (or delivering?) Packet 3 to the interview appointment itself?

5.) What seems to be the number 1 reason anyone is denied a visa once they have an appointment? I wanna know ahead of time so I can dodge any bullets I may have already written my name on...=/ (And YES we do have a REAL relationship so if that's the response, it doesn't apply to us.)

6.) Plane tickets - I've found a oneway ticket for as cheap as $700.00 flat. Anyone know of any websites to buy plane tickets cheaper than that?

Sorry I had so much to ask, but I gotta know! This is killing me! Thoughts, comments, questions, concerns...TALK TO ME PEOPLE!

Thanks!!!

[rsn 135]

Hello All!

So here are my questions regarding Packet 3:

1.) I do not meet the financial requirements needed to clear the poverty guidelines, so my father has offered to co-sponsor me so that my fiance can come to the U.S. That being said, I have already completed 2 seperate I-134 forms - one for me and one for my father - with all the supporting paperwork. NOW...Do I need to complete any other forms/paperwork such as I-864 in conjunction with the I-134? I have read on a few other posts that this was needed for a K-1, but then contradictorily that they cannot require it. Will it significantly affect the way my fiance's visa interview if he does or does not include it in his Packet 3? Can they actually reject him for not having that in addition to the I-134? Please advise...

2.) Once we have completed the entire Packet 3 (and thank heaven that we almost have!), is it alright for my fiance to personally deliver the packet to the USEM? Or does it absolutely have to be mailed in to be considered complete? I would just love to shave off a few days of wait time, and I thought maybe he could just drop it off himself...? Lemme know something good! lol.

3.) How long did it take everyone else to get a police certificate clearance (for that is the LAST piece of info we need at this point - Hallelujah Holla Back!), because they told my fiance 3 weeks and it cost him 200 Baht. My understanding was that it was suppose to be free and that it would only take 2 weeks...Did he just get totally taken or is this normal?

4.) Wait times: Everyone has posted anywhere from 4 months to 3 weeks as approximations for an interview appointment after sending packet 3. Anyone do this recently? How long is the wait time from the point of mailing (or delivering?) Packet 3 to the interview appointment itself?

5.) What seems to be the number 1 reason anyone is denied a visa once they have an appointment? I wanna know ahead of time so I can dodge any bullets I may have already written my name on...=/ (And YES we do have a REAL relationship so if that's the response, it doesn't apply to us.)

6.) Plane tickets - I've found a oneway ticket for as cheap as $700.00 flat. Anyone know of any websites to buy plane tickets cheaper than that?

Sorry I had so much to ask, but I gotta know! This is killing me! Thoughts, comments, questions, concerns...TALK TO ME PEOPLE!

Thanks!!!

1. The I-134 is all that is needed. The I-864 will likely be ignored entirely if you include it. Also note that Bangkok will likely not accept your co-sponsor since they are known for not accepting K1 co-sponsors.
2. Just mail it via Thai EMS. You aren't supposed to hand deliver it. No reason to hand deliver it, it will get there soon enough.
3. It is supposed to be free. In fact I think they used to make you sign something saying didn't pay anything for the certificate. Maybe things have changed. Not surprising in Thailand, but I'll defer to someone with more recent experience...
4. Have a look at the most recent timelines on this site for Thai applicants for a good answer to that question. It vary greatly from month to month.
5. Not enough proof of relationship, lies uncovered on the application, story doesn't add up at the interview: these and other similar reasons may result in a request for more evidence or denial.
6. It varies. When I was there, Korean Air was the cheapest one-way back to the U.S. Do your homework. $700 is pretty good.

Edited September 22, 2009 by rsn

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Hello All!

So here are my questions regarding Packet 3:

1.) I do not meet the financial requirements needed to clear the poverty guidelines, so my father has offered to co-sponsor me so that my fiance can come to the U.S. That being said, I have already completed 2 seperate I-134 forms - one for me and one for my father - with all the supporting paperwork. NOW...Do I need to complete any other forms/paperwork such as I-864 in conjunction with the I-134? I have read on a few other posts that this was needed for a K-1, but then contradictorily that they cannot require it. Will it significantly affect the way my fiance's visa interview if he does or does not include it in his Packet 3? Can they actually reject him for not having that in addition to the I-134? Please advise...

2.) Once we have completed the entire Packet 3 (and thank heaven that we almost have!), is it alright for my fiance to personally deliver the packet to the USEM? Or does it absolutely have to be mailed in to be considered complete? I would just love to shave off a few days of wait time, and I thought maybe he could just drop it off himself...? Lemme know something good! lol.

3.) How long did it take everyone else to get a police certificate clearance (for that is the LAST piece of info we need at this point - Hallelujah Holla Back!), because they told my fiance 3 weeks and it cost him 200 Baht. My understanding was that it was suppose to be free and that it would only take 2 weeks...Did he just get totally taken or is this normal?

4.) Wait times: Everyone has posted anywhere from 4 months to 3 weeks as approximations for an interview appointment after sending packet 3. Anyone do this recently? How long is the wait time from the point of mailing (or delivering?) Packet 3 to the interview appointment itself?

5.) What seems to be the number 1 reason anyone is denied a visa once they have an appointment? I wanna know ahead of time so I can dodge any bullets I may have already written my name on...=/ (And YES we do have a REAL relationship so if that's the response, it doesn't apply to us.)

6.) Plane tickets - I've found a oneway ticket for as cheap as $700.00 flat. Anyone know of any websites to buy plane tickets cheaper than that?

Sorry I had so much to ask, but I gotta know! This is killing me! Thoughts, comments, questions, concerns...TALK TO ME PEOPLE!

Thanks!!!

It is my understanding Bangkok does not allow co-sponsors for K-1s. You need to meet the income guidelines. If I am wrong, someone will correct me. An I-134, submitted by anyone but the beneficiary, must have proof that the co-sponsor is a US citizen or Legal Permenent Resident.

1. The I-134 is for the visa interview. The I-864 is for the AOS after your fiancee arrives and you are married and have to do the same thing all over again. Generally speaking.

Whoever said the consulate "cannot require an I-864" is an innocent lamb easily eaten by wolves. The consulate can demand what they want and YES your visa can (and will) be denied if you do not provide what they ask for.

All your other questions are consulate specific and I will let the Thai experts, of which there are many and good members, answer those.

[payxibka 10,047]

Moving thread to:

US Embassy and Consulate Discussion

You are almost there and now you have to deal with the embassy. This is the place to post your experiences or questions related to this last step before moving to the US. Topics relating to I-134's, packets sent from consulate and medical & police certificates should be posted here.

[rsn 135]

Hello All!

So here are my questions regarding Packet 3:

1.) I do not meet the financial requirements needed to clear the poverty guidelines, so my father has offered to co-sponsor me so that my fiance can come to the U.S. That being said, I have already completed 2 seperate I-134 forms - one for me and one for my father - with all the supporting paperwork. NOW...Do I need to complete any other forms/paperwork such as I-864 in conjunction with the I-134? I have read on a few other posts that this was needed for a K-1, but then contradictorily that they cannot require it. Will it significantly affect the way my fiance's visa interview if he does or does not include it in his Packet 3? Can they actually reject him for not having that in addition to the I-134? Please advise...

2.) Once we have completed the entire Packet 3 (and thank heaven that we almost have!), is it alright for my fiance to personally deliver the packet to the USEM? Or does it absolutely have to be mailed in to be considered complete? I would just love to shave off a few days of wait time, and I thought maybe he could just drop it off himself...? Lemme know something good! lol.

3.) How long did it take everyone else to get a police certificate clearance (for that is the LAST piece of info we need at this point - Hallelujah Holla Back!), because they told my fiance 3 weeks and it cost him 200 Baht. My understanding was that it was suppose to be free and that it would only take 2 weeks...Did he just get totally taken or is this normal?

4.) Wait times: Everyone has posted anywhere from 4 months to 3 weeks as approximations for an interview appointment after sending packet 3. Anyone do this recently? How long is the wait time from the point of mailing (or delivering?) Packet 3 to the interview appointment itself?

5.) What seems to be the number 1 reason anyone is denied a visa once they have an appointment? I wanna know ahead of time so I can dodge any bullets I may have already written my name on...=/ (And YES we do have a REAL relationship so if that's the response, it doesn't apply to us.)

6.) Plane tickets - I've found a oneway ticket for as cheap as $700.00 flat. Anyone know of any websites to buy plane tickets cheaper than that?

Sorry I had so much to ask, but I gotta know! This is killing me! Thoughts, comments, questions, concerns...TALK TO ME PEOPLE!

Thanks!!!

1. The I-134 is all that is needed. The I-864 will likely be ignored entirely if you include it. Also note that Bangkok will likely not accept your co-sponsor since they are known for not accepting K1 co-sponsors.
2. Just mail it via Thai EMS. You aren't supposed to hand deliver it. No reason to hand deliver it, it will get there soon enough.
3. It is supposed to be free. In fact I think they used to make you sign something saying didn't pay anything for the certificate. Maybe things have changed. Not surprising in Thailand, but I'll defer to someone with more recent experience...
4. Have a look at the most recent timelines on this site for Thai applicants for a good answer to that question. It vary greatly from month to month.
5. Not enough proof of relationship, lies uncovered on the application, story doesn't add up at the interview: these and other similar reasons may result in a request for more evidence or denial.
6. It varies. When I was there, Korean Air was the cheapest one-way back to the U.S. Do your homework. $700 is pretty good.

A few more things...

Regarding the police certificate, sometimes the police might ask for a "donation". For example, during Songkran, they might ask for a donation to their local Songkran fund, and, in exchange, you might find that your certificate gets to you quicker, so I've heard. However, a donation/payment resulting in slower processing is bizarre.

Regarding denials - they can and likely will also send your fiancee back if all your forms are not correct.

Regarding one-way tickets - I believe I payed a little over $800 for each one-way ticket in June. Tickets might be more expensive during high-season in Thailand though, just a guess.

Regarding your co-sponsor situation: you really might want to avoid doing this. I have heard third-hand that a few lucky souls with co-sponsors have made it through Bangkok with K1s, but I wouldn't hold my breath. If you really don't have enough assets or income, you might have to start all over with a CR1 (marriage) visa.

Edited September 22, 2009 by rsn

[rsn 135]

Regarding one-way tickets - I believe I payed a little over $800 for each one-way ticket in June.

I was wrong. Just checked - I payed 33500 baht per one-way ticket in June. Eech! I did buy them 36 hours in advance though.

Edited September 22, 2009 by rsn

[thongd4me 69]

Database sorted by Packet 3 (for Thailand) Edited September 22, 2009 by thongd4me

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Hello All!

So here are my questions regarding Packet 3:

1.) I do not meet the financial requirements needed to clear the poverty guidelines, so my father has offered to co-sponsor me so that my fiance can come to the U.S. That being said, I have already completed 2 seperate I-134 forms - one for me and one for my father - with all the supporting paperwork. NOW...Do I need to complete any other forms/paperwork such as I-864 in conjunction with the I-134? I have read on a few other posts that this was needed for a K-1, but then contradictorily that they cannot require it. Will it significantly affect the way my fiance's visa interview if he does or does not include it in his Packet 3? Can they actually reject him for not having that in addition to the I-134? Please advise...

2.) Once we have completed the entire Packet 3 (and thank heaven that we almost have!), is it alright for my fiance to personally deliver the packet to the USEM? Or does it absolutely have to be mailed in to be considered complete? I would just love to shave off a few days of wait time, and I thought maybe he could just drop it off himself...? Lemme know something good! lol.

3.) How long did it take everyone else to get a police certificate clearance (for that is the LAST piece of info we need at this point - Hallelujah Holla Back!), because they told my fiance 3 weeks and it cost him 200 Baht. My understanding was that it was suppose to be free and that it would only take 2 weeks...Did he just get totally taken or is this normal?

4.) Wait times: Everyone has posted anywhere from 4 months to 3 weeks as approximations for an interview appointment after sending packet 3. Anyone do this recently? How long is the wait time from the point of mailing (or delivering?) Packet 3 to the interview appointment itself?

5.) What seems to be the number 1 reason anyone is denied a visa once they have an appointment? I wanna know ahead of time so I can dodge any bullets I may have already written my name on...=/ (And YES we do have a REAL relationship so if that's the response, it doesn't apply to us.)

6.) Plane tickets - I've found a oneway ticket for as cheap as $700.00 flat. Anyone know of any websites to buy plane tickets cheaper than that?

Sorry I had so much to ask, but I gotta know! This is killing me! Thoughts, comments, questions, concerns...TALK TO ME PEOPLE!

Thanks!!!

1. The I-134 is all that is needed. The I-864 will likely be ignored entirely if you include it. Also note that Bangkok will likely not accept your co-sponsor since they are known for not accepting K1 co-sponsors.
2. Just mail it via Thai EMS. You aren't supposed to hand deliver it. No reason to hand deliver it, it will get there soon enough.
3. It is supposed to be free. In fact I think they used to make you sign something saying didn't pay anything for the certificate. Maybe things have changed. Not surprising in Thailand, but I'll defer to someone with more recent experience...
4. Have a look at the most recent timelines on this site for Thai applicants for a good answer to that question. It vary greatly from month to month.
5. Not enough proof of relationship, lies uncovered on the application, story doesn't add up at the interview: these and other similar reasons may result in a request for more evidence or denial.
6. It varies. When I was there, Korean Air was the cheapest one-way back to the U.S. Do your homework. $700 is pretty good.

A few more things...

Regarding the police certificate, sometimes the police might ask for a "donation". For example, during Songkran, they might ask for a donation to their local Songkran fund, and, in exchange, you might find that your certificate gets to you quicker, so I've heard. However, a donation/payment resulting in slower processing is bizarre.

Regarding denials - they can and likely will also send your fiancee back if all your forms are not correct.

Regarding one-way tickets - I believe I payed a little over $800 for each one-way ticket in June. Tickets might be more expensive during high-season in Thailand though, just a guess.

Regarding your co-sponsor situation: you really might want to avoid doing this. I have heard third-hand that a few lucky souls with co-sponsors have made it through Bangkok with K1s, but I wouldn't hold my breath. If you really don't have enough assets or income, you might have to start all over with a CR1 (marriage) visa.

How primitive! In Ukraine they just call it a bribe. Bribe them a few bucks (preferably US dollars or Euro) and you get your police certificate pretty quick, omit the bribe and you could wait weeks at best.

[BitingMyNails2 0]

It is my understanding Bangkok does not allow co-sponsors for K-1s. You need to meet the income guidelines. If I am wrong, someone will correct me. An I-134, submitted by anyone but the beneficiary, must have proof that the co-sponsor is a US citizen or Legal Permenent Resident.

1. The I-134 is for the visa interview. The I-864 is for the AOS after your fiancee arrives and you are married and have to do the same thing all over again. Generally speaking.

Whoever said the consulate "cannot require an I-864" is an innocent lamb easily eaten by wolves. The consulate can demand what they want and YES your visa can (and will) be denied if you do not provide what they ask for.

All your other questions are consulate specific and I will let the Thai experts, of which there are many and good members, answer those.

THANK YOU ALL SOOO MUCH FOR YOUR SPEEDY RESPONSES! It is appreciated beyond words. I am sorry if I am perhaps as thick skulled as they come, but just to clarify: I can't submit anyone elses finances but mine to sponsor him? The sponsor has to be the petitioner then? Or is it that I COULD submit my fathers I-134 rather than mine (Which I will send for my fiance to have anyway just in case they try to trip him up) as long as it comes with a copy of his passport, a paystub and a tax return from 2008? Would he need to write a letter or anything explaining why it is his information being submitted rather than mine? More or less, I wanna know what you would submit if we swapped places. lol. I assume that since I am still claimed on his taxes as a dependent that is all the verification of relation that I would need right?...Damn. This is so F'in retarded! SORRY I'm so concerned, just wanna make sure everything will go as planned.

[SCFsnoopy 0]

THANK YOU ALL SOOO MUCH FOR YOUR SPEEDY RESPONSES! It is appreciated beyond words. I am sorry if I am perhaps as thick skulled as they come, but just to clarify: I can't submit anyone elses finances but mine to sponsor him? The sponsor has to be the petitioner then? Or is it that I COULD submit my fathers I-134 rather than mine (Which I will send for my fiance to have anyway just in case they try to trip him up) as long as it comes with a copy of his passport, a paystub and a tax return from 2008? Would he need to write a letter or anything explaining why it is his information being submitted rather than mine? More or less, I wanna know what you would submit if we swapped places. lol. I assume that since I am still claimed on his taxes as a dependent that is all the verification of relation that I would need right?...Damn. This is so F'in retarded! SORRY I'm so concerned, just wanna make sure everything will go as planned.

To my understanding, the I-134 has to be submitted by the petitioner no matter what - co-sponsors are an addition, not a replacement.

[Stephen + Elisha 92]

THANK YOU ALL SOOO MUCH FOR YOUR SPEEDY RESPONSES! It is appreciated beyond words. I am sorry if I am perhaps as thick skulled as they come, but just to clarify: I can't submit anyone elses finances but mine to sponsor him? The sponsor has to be the petitioner then? Or is it that I COULD submit my fathers I-134 rather than mine (Which I will send for my fiance to have anyway just in case they try to trip him up) as long as it comes with a copy of his passport, a paystub and a tax return from 2008? Would he need to write a letter or anything explaining why it is his information being submitted rather than mine? More or less, I wanna know what you would submit if we swapped places. lol. I assume that since I am still claimed on his taxes as a dependent that is all the verification of relation that I would need right?...Damn. This is so F'in retarded! SORRY I'm so concerned, just wanna make sure everything will go as planned.

To my understanding, the I-134 has to be submitted by the petitioner no matter what - co-sponsors are an addition, not a replacement.

The petitioner must be the primary sponsor. Information on a co-sponsor—presuming the consulate will consider one—is provided IN ADDITION TO, not in lieu of the petitioner's information.

[rsn 135]

THANK YOU ALL SOOO MUCH FOR YOUR SPEEDY RESPONSES! It is appreciated beyond words. I am sorry if I am perhaps as thick skulled as they come, but just to clarify: I can't submit anyone elses finances but mine to sponsor him? The sponsor has to be the petitioner then? Or is it that I COULD submit my fathers I-134 rather than mine (Which I will send for my fiance to have anyway just in case they try to trip him up) as long as it comes with a copy of his passport, a paystub and a tax return from 2008? Would he need to write a letter or anything explaining why it is his information being submitted rather than mine? More or less, I wanna know what you would submit if we swapped places. lol. I assume that since I am still claimed on his taxes as a dependent that is all the verification of relation that I would need right?...Damn. This is so F'in retarded! SORRY I'm so concerned, just wanna make sure everything will go as planned.

As I mentioned before, don't count on the embassy accepting a co-sponsor. You will likely need a backup plan.

[ThaitoUSA 15]

Just to second what Ray has said, the petitioner is the one and only sponsor accepted at the Bangkok consulate.

This is from Packet 4:

EVIDENCE OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT: Your Petitioner should present evidence that neither

you nor your children (if applicable) will become a public charge in the United States. A Form

I-134 (Affidavit of Support) signed by Petitioner can be submitted with a copy of Petitioner’s

US passport, an employment letter and a copy of Petitioner’s tax return (Form 1040) for the

most recent tax year. The petitioner’s income should meet the poverty guidelines at the time

of Affidavit of Support filing

http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/root/pdfs/k_a...ckage_may09.pdf

If your income does not meet the poverty guidelines, you may be served best by applying for a CR-1 visa. Once your (to be) husband arrives in America, he would granted a green card (permanent residency) and work authorization.

All the best.